Crime
RSSArrests, trafficking, violent crime, bear encounters, and Troopers Daily Dispatch coverage.
Alaska seniors lost $8M to scams as programs expand to meet growing population needs
Alaska seniors lost 8.17 million dollars to scams in 2024, led by tech support fraud. • Senior population grew 78 percent since 2010 and now makes up 22 percent of the state. • State launched a mobile app to help seniors apply for eight public assistance programs. • Community programs are expanding volunteer services and elder abuse awareness.

Alaska Passes Age of Consent Bill After Weeks-Long Senate Delay
Alaska raised age of consent from 16 to 18 after Senate delay sparked public outcry. • Omnibus crime bill also criminalizes AI-generated child abuse images and requires sex offender registration. • New rules make sexual assault by healthcare workers a standalone crime and expand parole board. • Lawmakers worried about compressed timeline but voted yes anyway.

Murkowski presses federal law enforcement on Alaska trafficking, missing Indigenous people
Murkowski pressed FBI on Alaska's missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis, 229 missing with 75 percent Alaska Native. • FBI launching tribal lands operation with Starlink communications for investigations. • DEA opening two Canada offices, intercepted 10 kilos of fentanyl bound for Alaska. • Murkowski raised Alaska's need for federal detention facility, Marshals director agreed to review.
Senate Finance hears omnibus crime bill targeting AI child porn, raising age of consent
Senate Finance Committee heard testimony Monday on an omnibus crime bill that would criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material and raise Alaska's age of consent from 16 to 18 across more than 24 criminal offenses.

Anchor Point Man Arrested After Assault, Vehicle Theft
Guy Foreman, 45, of Anchor Point was arrested April 28 on charges of vehicle theft, assault and driving with a suspended license after allegedly assaulting someone and stealing their vehicle.
Big Lake Man Arrested Twice for DUI in Three Days
Nicholas Bailey, 40, of Big Lake was arrested twice in three days for DUI and refusal to submit to chemical testing following traffic stops in Big Lake and Wasilla.
Wasilla Man Arrested on Domestic Violence Assault Charge
Alaska State Troopers arrested Ross Turner, 33, on domestic violence assault charges after a late-night disturbance at a Wasilla residence where a child was present.
Fairbanks father's testimony drives push for faster body cam release
The House State Affairs Committee heard emotional testimony from a Fairbanks father whose sons were shot by state troopers, fueling support for a bill requiring police to release body camera footage within 30 days of use-of-force incidents that result in death or serious injury.

House Finance advances mail theft bill despite competing governor's version
The Alaska House Finance Committee unanimously advanced a bill making mail theft a class C felony, even as a competing administration bill with lighter penalties moves through the Senate, creating potential legislative conflict.

Willow Woman Charged After 25 Sled Dogs Found Dead on Property
A Willow woman faces 26 felony animal cruelty charges after 25 sled dogs were found starved to death on her property following months of ignored complaints to Mat-Su Animal Control.
Senate Judiciary hears testimony on crime omnibus combining five bills
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 239, an omnibus crime bill that packages provisions on domestic violence, sexual assault, hit-and-run crashes, AI-generated child abuse images, and tribal advocate protections.

Psychologist who lost son to fentanyl urges Alaska lawmakers to support prevention
Sandy Snodgrass, founder of the Alaska Fentanyl Response Project, presented to state legislators about the fentanyl crisis and her work educating Alaska students after losing her son Bruce to fentanyl poisoning in 2021.

Senate panel advances $535 million corrections budget with jail funding cut
The Senate Finance Department of Corrections Subcommittee approved a $535 million operating budget for fiscal year 2027, cutting House-added community jail funding in half and requesting a study on housing inmates outside Alaska.

Alaska House Approves $2M for Talkeetna Trooper Post Using ANWR Funds
The Alaska House of Representatives voted to allocate $2 million from Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease revenues to reestablish a state trooper post in Talkeetna, addressing public safety concerns along the Parks Highway corridor.
House Finance passes Mount Edgecombe funding bill, advances mail theft measure
The House Finance Committee approved Senate Bill 146 to allow REAA funds for Mount Edgecombe High School and held its first hearing on House Bill 77 to make mail theft a state felony.
Senate panel considers tougher penalties for fatal hit-and-run crashes
The Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on legislation that would increase prison sentences for drivers who kill pedestrians and flee the scene.
Senate Committee Advances Bill to Raise Alaska's Age of Consent Amid Sexual Violence Crisis
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard public testimony on House Bill 101, which would raise Alaska's age of consent to 18 with a six-year age gap provision.